Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Sets 2026 Election Date and Proposes Council Law Change

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree announcing parliamentary elections for 28 November 2026, with a presidential vote slated for the first quarter of 2027. The declaration calls on voters in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem to participate in what the administration describes as "free and direct" elections.

Within days of the announcement, Abbas is reported to be preparing an amendment to the Palestinian election law that would revert the Palestinian Legislative Council to its former 132‑seat composition. The proposal also creates 68 seats in the Palestinian National Council to be filled by "consensus" rather than election, a mechanism understood to mean appointment. This change would restrict the ability of imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti to become chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, as only National Council members can contest the PLO executive post. The amendments are intended to ensure representation for security forces and other bodies that are otherwise excluded from Legislative Council elections.